Page 40 of Two Hearts' Accidental Heroes

She staggered, nearly falling as her heart started pounding hard against her chest. Suddenly, she was overwhelmed, realizing that not only was she going to be free to live her life, but she was really going to be able to be with her son.

“You’re going to be fine,” Rick whispered, wrapping his arms around her reassuringly.

Tears filled her eyes as she desperately clung to him.

“I think I’m ready,” she said softly, a few moments later, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Finally, together, they walked up to the door where Rick lifted his fist, ready to knock.

But before he could, the door sprang open from inside. The handsome blond-haired boy who’d opened the door stared straight at Shanna.

“Are you really my mommy?” he asked, cocking his head. “You’re pretty. You kind of look like the picture Grandma showed me.”

Shanna stilled, realizing that Johnny looked a lot like her.

“Johnny? It’s cold out there. Let your mother in so I can finally meet her,” a woman called out from inside the kitchen.

Rick held open the door so Shanna could walk inside ahead of him.

“Hello,” Shanna said to the woman who was looking her over from head to toe.

“Shanna, is it?” The woman smiled, giving her a wink. “You’ll do.”

When Shanna held out her hand, the woman brushed it away as she stood, tugging her into her arms. “I know that my Wes always spoke highly of you, and that was something he rarely did when it came to women.”

“You know everything, then?” Rick asked brusquely.

“I do,” Mrs. Montgomery answered, sounding grim. “But I’d like to think that my Wesley has some redeeming qualities, and I don’t want Johnny to go through life feeling less loved because of how he was conceived.”

When Rick smiled wryly, Mrs. Montgomery nodded approvingly. “He told me about you too, by the way. We had a nice long talk earlier today.” She pointed at the large table, centered in the middle of the kitchen. “Why don’t the two of you sit down. How about some coffee?”

* * *

Another ten minutes later, Rick and Shanna had taken off their coats, and were seated at the kitchen table, drinking coffee along with Mrs. Montgomery.

“Will you be going along with us to see Wes?” Shanna asked.

“I’m so glad you asked,” she admitted. “I wasn’t sure if you would want me to.”

“Of course, you need to be with him right now. He didn’t know if you’d even want to come. And you’ll always be welcome whenever you’d like to visit,” Shanna said reassuringly.

“And now that he’s out of danger, would you feel comfortable letting Johnny return occasionally to visit?” Mrs. Montgomery asked.

“Let’s plan on that,” Shanna agreed. “Where did Johnny go?”

“I’m here,” he said, running back into the kitchen, handing over a picture to Shanna.

“Oh, Johnny,” Shanna said in obvious disbelief. “Did you paint this for me?”

Rick glanced over her shoulder, suddenly in awe. The kid had talent. It looked just like Shanna.

“Wes has been sending me some of your paintings. He wanted Johnny to know his mother,” Mrs. Montgomery said.

Rick noticed that Shanna’s eyes filled with tears once again. It had been a rather emotional day, that’s for sure.

“Can I see them?” Rick asked, definitely curious. “I never knew until recently that Shanna painted.”

“Come on,” Johnny said, reaching for his hand. “I’ll show you.”

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